8 Years in Japan Without Speaking Japanese: Our Journey as a couple

Living in Japan as a foreign couple for an extended period of 8 years without speaking fluent Japanese can be challenging, but it is possible. Japan is a country with a unique culture and language, and not speaking Japanese may limit your experiences and interactions in certain ways.

In this blog post, we'll share our personal journey, offering insights into how we've navigated daily life, built connections, and cherished the rich culture of Japan, all while overcoming language barriers.

• Choosing Japan. My partner's journey to Japan started with his fascination for its mix of tradition and modern life. I, on the other hand, ended up in Japan due to a job opportunity. Even though we had different reasons for choosing this vibrant country, we both knew that dealing with the language barrier could be a bit tricky.
• The Early Days. Arriving in Japan with minimal knowledge of Japanese was both exciting and daunting. We quickly realized that even simple tasks like grocery shopping or using public transportation required adaptability and patience. For instance, we've found ourselves grabbing the wrong items at the supermarket more times than we can count, mainly because reading Japanese characters can be a real puzzle. And when we've tried seeking help from staff who don't speak English, let's just say it's been an adventure!
• Building Connections. One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been forming connections with local residents. We made friends with our share-housemates, colleagues, and fellow expatriates, often relying on non-verbal communication and gestures to bridge the gap. For us, Living in a shared house has been a huge help because we've met not just locals but also fellow foreigners. Getting tips from them on how to navigate life in Japan has been incredibly valuable in helping us settle in. Here's a fun tidbit: I actually met my partner at the international sharehouse.
• Cultural Immersion. Living in Japan offered us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in its rich culture. All our adventures in attending traditional festivals, trying local cuisine, and exploring historical sites, all without speaking Japanese fluently. As we started exploring the local gems, we were amazed by how friendly and polite Japanese people can be. It was all very natural, and we gradually picked up basic Japanese through our interactions.
• Learning Japanese. While we didn't become fluent in Japanese, we made efforts to learn the language. There are plenty of resources we used, including online courses, language classes offered by the ward office, and language exchange events.
• Work and Daily Life. Balancing work and daily life was a challenge, but we adapted. It's a no-brainer that translation apps come in handy for completing work-related tasks and handling complex conversations, especially when technical explanations are needed. Living in Tokyo is a bit easier in this regard, as it's known for being more foreigner-friendly compared to other cities. Actually, you'll come across Japanese people who speak English fluently, and it's totally possible to find a job that doesn't require any Japanese skills.
• Challenges and Triumphs. Living as a foreign couple in Japan had its ups and downs. We had many challenges, such as medical visits and legal matters, however, we overcame them. We learn from our mistakes and celebrate our triumphs, both big and small.
• Advice. To fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture and society, learning at least some Japanese is recommended. However, with resourcefulness, an open mind, and an understanding of local customs, you can still enjoy a fulfilling life in Japan as an English speaker.

Our life in Japan as a foreign couple, not speaking Japanese, has been quite a ride! We've grown, adventured, and developed a profound love for this amazing country. Sure, language barriers threw us some curveballs, but they also gifted us unforgettable experiences and connections that have made our lives richer than we ever thought possible.